Conversations in Clean Energy Podcast Sustainable Westchester

In the next episode titled "Low Rise or High Rise Budgets! Leveraging Geothermal System for New Construction," of Sustainable Westchester's podcast "Conversations in Clean Energy," host Radina Valova explores how geothermal technology can support the budget for a new construction while offering a multitude of benefits.

 

With her guests Alex Speigel, Partner, Developer and Designer of innovative projects in the built environment at Windmill Developments, Toronto Office, and Ryan Boniello, Operations Head at Boniello Development- premiere builders of custom, luxury homes in & around Westchester County, host Radina is focusing specifically on two geothermal projects for new construction. Alex will share his experience in the geothermal and clean energy space specifically focusing on a 10-story mixed-use development in Toronto, Canada that addresses the triple bottom line approach. Ryan will share an operations design perspective from his Somers Crossing Townhouse development project in Somers, NY. 

These case studies stand as successful models for innovation, collaboration and the use of clean heating and cooling technology in the construction of new low or high buildings. The discussion will focus on the efficacy of the geothermal system and how it is most suited for the comfort, cost savings, the environment and the bottom line. Topics will include planning, financing and development -- positives, challenges and implications.

This episode was produced in collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), who serves as a catalyst – advancing energy innovation, technology, and investment; transforming New York's economy; and empowering people and businesses to choose clean and efficient energy as part of their everyday lives.
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As the second in a two-part series "MythBusting Clean Heating & Cooling: The Efficacy of Retrofits," of Sustainable Westchester's podcast "Conversations in Clean Energy," host Radina Valova explores the often thought impossible geothermal retrofit in historical buildings. After you hear how ground source heat pump technology worked so well for these 100+ year old buildings, this technology may rise to the top of your list for upcoming capital improvements.

The examples showcased in this episode include St. Patrick's Cathedral, in Midtown NYC, a building on the historic landmark registry as well as Huguenot Memorial Church in Pelham, NY. 

Host Radina welcomes her guests Eric Smith, founding principal of the New York-based firm Eric J. Smith Architects with over 30 years experience and a member of the Huguenot Church Board of Trustees and Chair of their Building and Grounds committee for 12 years. She is also joined by Jeffrey Murphy, a founding Partner of MBB Architects, his work at St. Patrick’s Cathedral won a 2016 AIA National Honor Award and a 2019 AIA National COTE Award for excellence in sustainability.

These projects stand as successful models for innovation, collaboration, preservation of architectural integrity and the introduction of clean heating technology into historical buildings. The discussion will focus on the efficacy of geothermal retrofitting, historic building preservation, environmental stewardship, comfort, and efficiency. Topics will include planning, financing and development -- positives, challenges and implications.

This episode was produced in collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), who serves as a catalyst – advancing energy innovation, technology, and investment; transforming New York's economy; and empowering people and businesses to choose clean and efficient energy as part of their everyday lives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next episode, in the Conversations in Clean Energy podcast, “The Elimination of Peaker Plants. A Conversation on Grid Demand Solutions,” explores these renewable energy and storage solutions through an interview with distinguished guest, New York State Senator and Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications Kevin Parker, as well as further conversation with renewable energy industry expert James Spano, and Michael Gilbert, the Director of Energy & Sustainability at Fairstead. The episode focuses on grid demand response solutions as tools to eliminate polluting and costly oil and gas-fired "peaker" plants with application to the New York area and national scope.
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Electrification and clean heating & cooling solutions are needed as much in existing building stock as in building development.

In the premier episode of Sustainable Westchester's podcast "Conversations in Clean Energy," host Radina Valova explores the efficacy of clean heating & cooling technologies in affordable housing and the resulting benefit for the lower-to-moderate income communities in which they can be found.

Built on the pillars of community, collective, collaboration, innovation and thought leadership, Sustainable Westchester has a "seat at the table" in energy discussion and innovation in both New York State and Westchester County makes nonprofit Sustainable Westchester uniquely positioned to present these conversations.   The recognized New York State model for community energy programs, Westchester Power (Community Choice Aggregation) is the foundation for the current portfolio of Sustainable Westchester's energy solutions. Other programs include NYSERDA grant-funded clean heating & cooling residential (EnergySmart HOMES) Commercial Clean Heating & Cooling, a first-of-its kind resident rate-payer demand response program, GridRewards, resident and municipal Community Solar that includes partnerships with New York Power Authority and leading solar developers. In development are projects that include direct supply and energy storage which will have additional and significant positive impact on communities, residents and Westchester County's grid.